The islands have the potential for oil and gas development. Waters around the islands support commercial fishing, but the islands themselves are not populated on a permanent basis.
Transportation ::Paracel Islands
Airports:
1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 227
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)
Ports and terminals:
small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island
Military ::Paracel Islands